January 16, 2023, Pueblo, CO – The Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC) at MxV Rail has returned to in-person training. SERTC’s hands-on, realistic training in surface transportation hazardous materials response is unlike any other, and the new location, facilities and curriculum add to the student experience.
SERTC will see upwards of 95 students in the initial weeks of opening. First responders are making their way to Pueblo from across the U.S. and as far away as Alberta, Canada. All will return home to their respective agencies with new skills, practical training experience and strategies for a safer tomorrow.
“It’s great to have the training center open again,” said Forrest Wieder, Executive Director at SERTC. “We’ve been counting down to this day ever since we moved in. I’m proud of the SERTC staff and instructors, the updates we’ve made in course design, and the level of student engagement we’re seeing in these opening courses.”
In addition to new features on the training grounds and technology in the classroom, SERTC’s diverse and experienced instructional team has been a high point in the early student reviews.
“The experienced background of the teachers allowed them to share their vast knowledge and real-world experience to answer questions. Having a mixed class of industrial firemen, municipal firemen, and HazMat contractor contributed to great questions and discussions,” said one trainee. “The hands-on and personal experience of instructors integrates all the information we’re taught,” said another.
SERTC 2023 courses are now open for registration. Go to sertc.org for the latest, including hybrid and remote options, and opportunities for scholarship funding through the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC). Register today to ensure your place in 2023.
On-Site Learning – Residential:
Web-based & Hands-on – Residential Hybrid courses:
Remote Delivery courses:
“As an instructor, I am awfully excited about 2023,” said Jason Biggerstaff, Senior Instructor II with SERTC and MxV Rail. “We are the SERTC that the industry and our students love, but shined up and polished with even more supports for students. It’s world-class training and an experience that you won’t forget.”
About MxV Rail: MxV Rail (formerly TTCI) is a subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads established to provide vital support to the nation’s rail industry as its most trusted research and engineering partner. Through focused funding and strategic planning, MxV Rail is making key investments in its people and facilities to undertake new technological challenges in the rail industry and beyond. Building on its legacy of excellence, the team offers a full suite of advisory and research services including consulting, testing, research, maintaining standards and training. Learn more at www.mxvrail.com.
About SERTC: The Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC) at MxV Rail is a globally recognized program that brings transportation experts and first responders together in a one-of-a-kind fully immersive training experience. In its first 35 years SERTC trained more than 75,000 professionals worldwide in safety protocols and rapid response for a variety of scenarios. SERTC is a member of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC). As a world leader in Hazardous Materials Response to all forms of surface transportation incidents, SERTC courses offer hands-on learning in a real-world environment.
Contact: Niki Toussaint, AVP Marketing, niki_toussaint@aar.com
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